Mental Health Act

For centuries, mental illness was viewed by many as a crime in itself. Mentally ill people were jailed or worse, and were not seen as human beings, but as sins against humanity. President Harry Truman took a major step in helping the United States and, in turn, the world, understand the necessity for humanitarian care for those suffering from mental illness. The National Mental Health Act was passed in 1946, which paved the way for a new level of education, research, and funding for mental illness.

As a result of this act, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) was formed in 1949. This allowed Congress to play a major part in the overhauling of psychiatric hospitals throughout the nation, with thousands of mentally ill patients being released into communities. Unfortunately, this caused other problems. Patients may have been treated unjustly in the hospitals, which often led to deeper mental illness, but when let out to fend for themselves, many were left homeless.

The need for mental health treatment has become increasingly evident as people are involved in more devastating situations that defy explanation. War, terrorism, abuse of many kinds, and mental health issues caused by no apparent reason are finally being seen as relevant and vital situations that demand attention. The Mental Health Act has proved to be a cornerstone in the development of treatment for mental health disorders.

Insight into the Mental Health Act

Laws vary from state to state but insurance companies are coming to the understanding that they must do something in terms of equal coverage for mental illness. While oftentimes mental illness still carries a stigma, there is more openness in dealing with it. Many employers offer mental health coverage for family members as well as the employees themselves.

By enlisting the aid of governmental agencies in the struggle for mental health awareness, the situation has become recognized as a valid healthcare issue. Everyone is entitled to quality healthcare, be it mental or physical. By passing laws to grant better treatment for mental health, in the long run, the overall health of our communities, whether local or global, will benefit.